60 units of vocabulary
reference and practice
Second Edition
Advanced
60 units of vocabulary
reference and practice
Self-study and
classroom use
Second Edition
Advanced
Felicity O'Dell
Michael McCarthy
..,., ,.,. CAMBRIDGE
::: UNIVERSITY PRESS
CAMBRIDGE
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Contents
Acknowledgements 3 Idioms to talk about ...
Using this book 4
In this section the units are organised around the
Learning about idioms topic or functional area where they are most likely
to be used.
In this section the units deal with key aspects of what
idioms are and how you can use them. m Films, plays and books
m Relationships - friends and family
D What are idioms? m People - character and behaviour
I J When and how are idioms used? m Crime and punishment
U Using reference resources m Work
I I Common metaphors in idioms m Business news
I I Using idioms accurately m Business meetings
m Money
a Playing with idioms m Society
m Daily life
D Idioms from other varieties of English m Positive feelings
D Modern idioms
III Negative feelings
Types of idiom
m Problems
In this section the units deal with specific types m Arguing
of idiom.
Idioms used in ...
D Similes
This section focuses on some of the written contexts
IIiJ Binomials
OJ Proverbs mwhere idioms are frequently found.
Journalism
m Cliches and fixed statements
m Other languages Gm Advertising
Idioms from the topic area of ... m Formal writing
In this section the units are organised around the Idioms used in conversation
aspect of life from which the idioms have originated.
This section focuses on ways in which idioms are
m Sailing
m War and conflict mtypically used in spoken language.
m Transport Advising and warning
ID Animals ID Telling stories
m Parts of the body EIJ Responding to what people say
m Games and sport
m Ancient myths and history ID Agreeing and disagreeing
m Shakespeare
m Literature cm Expressing success and failure
m Learning
m Science and technology li,I Emphasising
English Idioms in Use Advanced 1
Idioms using these keywords: m Life and live 126
m Dead and death 158
In this section each unit focuses on one keyword m Mind 159
which has given rise to a particularly large number
of English idioms. Im Hard
m Play and game m Fall
m Half
rm Own
Im) Two
Key
m All
m No Phonemic symbols
m Hand
m Heart Index
2 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Acknowledgements
Joy Godwin wrote two new units for the Second Edition: Unit 23, Learning, and Unit 38, Arguing.
The publishers would like to thank Joy for her contribution to this edition.
The authors and publishers acknowledge the following sources of copyright material and
are grateful for the permissions granted. While every effort has been made, it has not always
been possible to identify the sources of all the material used, or to trace all copyright holders.
If any omissions are brought to our notice, we will be happy to include the appropriate
acknowledgements on reprinting & in the next update to the digital edition, as applicable.
Key: TR= Top Right.
Photographs
All the photographs are sourced from Getty Images.
p. 7: Oleh_Slobodeniuk/E+; p. 11: lisafx/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 17 (photo 1): Ryuichi Sato/Taxi
Japan; p. 17 (photo 2): Simon Winnall/Taxi; p. 17 (photo 3): Richard Thwaites/Moment; p. 18: David
Madison/The Image Bank; p. 21 (boat): Marek Jagoda/EyeEm; p. 21 (radar): lvcandy/DigitalVision
Vectors; p. 21 (runners) : Tetra Images; p. 21 (clock): malerapaso/E+; p. 21 (woman) : Dan Hallman/
Photographer's Choice; p. 25 (photo 1): Doug McKinlay/Perspectives; p. 25 (photo 2) : Michael Steele/
Getty Images Europe; p. 25 (photo 3) : Gerville/E+; p. 25 (photo 4): Anthony Lee/OJO Images; p. 32:
Thinkstock lmages/Stockbyte; p. 40: Michael Blann/lconica; p. 50 (TR): Jack Hollingsworth/Blend
Images; p. 50 (Kasi a): Adam Orzechowski/Stone; p. 50 (Sadiq): petekarici/iStock/Getty Images Plus;
p. 50 (Massimo) : ajr_images/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 50 (Farah): Ryoko Uyama/Taxi; p. 50 (Ana) :
NADOFOTOS/iStock/Getty Images Plus; p. 54: Victor Chavez/Wirelmage; p. 60: Mgkaya/E+; p. 68:
Jonathan Lansangan/EyeEm; p. 72: Maskot; p. 80: JohnnyGreig/E+; p. 81 (photo 1): Allan Baxter/The
Images Bank; p. 81 (photo 2): Jana Leon/DigitalVision; p. 81 (photo 3): Stephanie McDowell/Moment
Open; p. 81 (photo 4): Martin Shields/Photographer's Choice; p. 81 (photo 5): b-d-s/iStock; p. 81
(photo 6): Kami/arabianEye; p. 84 (photo 1): EasyBuy4u/E+; p. 84 (photo 2): Resolution Productions/
Blend Images; p. 84 (photo 3) : Lauren Burke/DigitalVision; p. 90: Adrianko/Cultura ; p. 92: andresr/E+;
p. 98 (photo 1): Sam Edwards/OJO Images; p. 98 (photo 2) : Ezra Bailey/Taxi; p. 102: wundervisuals/
E+; p. 106: Dougal Waters/DigitalVision; p. 117 (photo 1): Guillaume Souvant/Stringer/AFP; p. 117
(photo 2) : Image Source; p. 117 (photo 3): ChoochartSansong/iStock; p. 117 (photo 4) : Dimitrios
Stefanidis/iStock; p. 117 (photo 5): Chris Howes/Canopy; p. 117 (photo 6): ChrisAt/E+.
Illustrations
emc design Ltd: pp. 48, 56, and 112; Christopher Flint (Lemonade Illustration) : 19 and 59;
John Goodwin (Eye Candy Illustration) : pp. 10, 37, 45 and 105; 419 Ludm ila (KJA Artists) :
pp. 13, 47, 49, 65, 101 and 119; John Lund (Beehive Illustration): pp. 40, 55, 67 and 79; Katie Mac
(NB Illustration): pp. 15, 43, 63, 94 and 97; 302 Martina (KJA Artists): pp. 9, 22, 39, 75 and 89.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 3
Using this book
Why was this book written?
It was written to help you take your knowledge of idioms to a more advanced level. The ability to use
idioms accurately and appropriately is an indicator that you have a truly advanced level of English,
and so this book pays attention to the productive use of idioms as well as to the comprehension
of their meaning. Many of you will have already worked with English Idioms in Use Intermediate,
and this book builds on the work done there. However, it does not matter if you have gained your
knowledge of idioms in a different way. We do not assume that you have used English idioms in Use
Intermediate, although we do present and practise different idioms from those that were presented
in the lower-level book.
How were the idioms in this book selected?
The idioms which are presented in this book were mainly selected from those identified as significant
by the CANCODE corpus of spoken English, developed at the University of Nottingham in association
with Cambridge University Press, and the Cambridge International Corpus of written and spoken
English (now known as the Cambridge English Corpus). The idioms selected are all also to be found
in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary 4th Edition, where you can find additional usage notes
and examples. You can search this dictionary on line by going to the following website:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org
How is the book organised?
The book has 60 two-page un its. The left-hand page explains the idioms that are presented in the
unit. You will usually find an explanation of the meaning of the idiom, an example of it in use and,
where appropriate, some comments on when and how it is used. The exercises on the right-hand
page check that you have understood the information on the left-hand page and give you practice in
using the material presented.
The units are organised into seven sections:
Learning about idioms (Units 1-8) gives important information relating to idioms in general, such as
what they are and how to use them accurately.
Types of idiom (Units 9-13) looks at some different types of idiom, dealing with such areas as Similes
and idioms from other languages.
Idioms from the topic area of ... (Units 14-24) focuses on idioms originating from different topic
areas. For example, a great many idioms in English are based on sailing, a result of Britain's history
as an island with a strong dependence on the sea. This section therefore opens with a unit dealing
with id ioms originating from the topic area of Sailing. Other units in this section deal with, for
example, idioms based on Parts of the body, Games and sport and Literature. Many of us find it
interesting to learn about the origins of idioms, and studying them in this way can also help to fix
their meaning in your memory.
Idioms to talk about . . . (Units 25-38) focuses on the topic areas where certain idioms are frequently
used. For instance, there are units dealing with idioms used when talking about Money, about Society
or about Problems.
Idioms used in . .. (Units 39-41) looks at three types of w riting where distinct types of idioms are
used - Journalism , Advertising and Formal writing .
Idioms used in conversation (Units 42-47) presents idioms used in conversations from a functional
point of view. For example, there are units dealing with Telling stories, Agreeing and disagreeing and
Emphasising .
Idioms using these keywords (Units 48-60) groups idioms according to the keywords that they centre
on. Unit 53, for instance, presents and practises idioms using the word hand, while Unit 59 focuses
on idioms using the verb fall.
4 English Idioms in Use Advanced
The book also contains a key and an index, listing the idioms we deal with and indicating the units
where they can be found.
How should I use this book?
We strongly recommend that you do the first two units in the book first - What are idioms? and When
and how are idioms used? - as these give you basic information that underpins all the other units.
After that, you may work on the units in any order that you prefer.
What else do I need in order to work with this book?
You need a notebook or file so that you can write down the idioms that you study in the book as well
as any others that you come across elsewhere.
You also need to have access to a good dictionary. We strongly recommend the Cambridge Advanced
Learner's Dictionary, as this gives you exactly the kind of information that you need to have about
idioms. Your teacher, however, may also be able to recommend other dictionaries that you may
find useful.
So all that remains is to say if you want to stand out from the crowd (Unit 40), start studying t he
idioms in this book. There 's no time like the present! (Unit 40). We hope you'll find this an enjoyable
and useful way to keep up and extend your knowledge of English idioms in use.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 5
1 What are idioms?
Formulaic language
Idioms are a type of formulaic language. Formulaic language consists of fixed expressions
which you learn and understand as units rather than as individual words, for example:
type of formulaic language I examples
greetings and good wishes Hi there! See you soon! Happy birthday!
prepositional phrases at the moment, in a hurry, from time to time
sayings, proverbs and quotations It's a small world! Don't put all your eggs in one basket. To be or
not to be - that is the question.
compounds car park, bus stop, home-made
phrasal verbs take off, look after, turn down
collocations blonde hair, deeply disappointed
Idioms
Idioms are fixed combinations of words whose meaning is often difficult to guess from the
meaning of each individual word .
For example, if I say 'I put my foot in it the other day at Linda's house - I asked her if she
was going to marry Simon ', what does it mean? If you do not know that put your foot in
it means say something accidentally which upsets or embarrasses someone, it is difficult to
know exactly what the sentence means. It has a non-literal or idiomatic meaning.
Idioms are constructed in different ways, and this book gives you practice in a wide variety
of types of idiom. Here are some examples:
Tim took a shine to [immediately liked] his teacher. (verb+ object+ preposition)
The band's number one hit was just a flash in the pan [something that happens only once]
(idiomatic noun phrase)
Little Jimmy has been as quiet as a mouse [extremely quiet] all day. (simile. See Unit 9 for
more similes.)
We arrived safe and sound [safely] . (binomial. See Unit 10 for more binomials.)
Idioms are often based on everyday things and ideas, for example, the human body:
Mark and Alistair don't see eye to eye. [don't agree with each other]
How can I use idioms?
Many idioms are quite informal, so use them carefully. You will need to be able to
understand a lot of idioms if you want to read English fiction, newspapers or magazines,
or understand TV shows, films and songs. People also often use idioms for humour or to
comment on themselves, other people and situations.
You will sound more natural and fluent if you can use idioms in everyday conversation or
informal writing. Be careful not to use too many, though!
Language help
The words and word order of idioms are usually fixed , and we cannot change them in
any way. For example, we cannot say gave a shine to or sound and safe.
6 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
1.1 Read the beginning of this story and label the type of formulaic language used in the
words in bold. Use the information in A opposite to help you.
In 2009, I set off on a long journey. As I left my house, my
neighbour shouted, 'Good luck!' I didn't know at that moment
that I would not see him again for three years. I boarded the plane
at Heathrow, and soon it took off for Malaysia. When we touched
down in Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't wait to get off the plane. I took
a bus to the city centre and spent the night at a youth hostel The
first person I met was someone I had been at school with years ago.
'It's a small world!' he said when he saw me.
1.2 Underline the seven idioms in the rest of the story you read in 1.1.
My friend suggested that we join forces. 'There's safety in numbers,' he said. 'Let's
hit the road together.' I was in two minds whether to go with him but finally decided
to say yes. We travelled together for six months and had a whale of a time. We spent
money like there was no tomorrow. I had to twist my dad's arm and persuade him to
send me some more money so I could travel further.
1.3 Choose the correct answer.
1 His first novel was just a) a flash in a pan b) a flash of the pan c) a flash in the pan.
2 I think Philip has a) given a shine to b) taken a shine to c) got a shine to his new babysitter.
3 I hope you have a good trip and come home a) safely and soundly b) sound and safe
c) safe and sound .
4 Oh dear! I think I've a) had a foot in it b) put my foot in it c) got my foot in it!
5 Kate is really noisy, but her best friend is a) as quiet as a cat b) as quiet as a mouse
c) as quiet like a mouse.
1.4 Look at these newspaper headlines. Each one has an idiom based on a part of the
human body. What do you think they mean? Choose the correct answer.
1 University goes cap in hand to 3 Rita Soraz is the apple of
finance minister Hollywood's eye
2 Airline foots the bill for delays 4 Government is burying its bead
and cancellations in the sand, says Opposition leader
1 A university a) apologises to the minister b) asks the minister for fin ancial help
c) awards the minister a great honou r.
2 An airline a) has refused to pay th e costs b) sends t he bill to someone else
c) will pay the costs.
3 Rita Soraz is a) loved by everyone in Hollywood b) hated by everyone in Hollywood
c) missed by everyone in Hollywood .
4 The government is a) refu sin g to face a difficult sit uation b) about to resign
c) making unpopular plans.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 7
2 When and how are idioms used?
Idioms and change
Idioms frequently change in English. Although many idioms last for a long time, some
disappear very quickly. Therefore, some idioms that were popular 50 years ago may sound
very old-fashioned and odd today. For example, the idiom as stiff/ straight as a ramrod
[sitting or standing with a very straight and stiff back] is not frequently used nowadays. It is
therefore important to be careful if you learn an idiom from, say, an older novel, as it may
sound unnatural if you use it in your own speech or writing. In this book we focus only on
up-to-date idioms which are still commonly used.
What are idioms used for?
• For emphasis, e.g. 'The singer's second album sank like a stone.' [failed completely]
• To agree with a previous speaker, e.g.
A: Did you notice how Lisa started listening when you said her name?
B: Yes, that certainly made her prick her ears up. [start listening carefully]
• To comment on people, e.g. 'Did you hear Tom has been invited for dinner with the
prime minister? He's certainly gone up in the world!' [gained a better social position - or
more money - than before]
• To comment on a situation, e.g. 'The new finance minister wants to knock the economy
into shape.' [take action to get something into a good condition]
• To make an anecdote more interesting, e.g. 'It was just one disaster after another today,
a sort of domino effect.' [when something, usually bad, happens and causes a series of other
things to happen]
• To catch the reader's eye. Idioms - particularly those with strong images - are often
used in headlines, advertising slogans and the names of small businesses. The writer
may play with the idiom or make a pun (a joke involving a play on words} in order to
create a special effect, e.g. a debt of dishonour instead of the usual debt of honour. [a
debt that you owe someone for moral rather than financial reasons]
• To indicate membership of a particular group, e.g. surfers drop in on someone,
meaning to get on a wave another surfer is already on. This kind of group-specific idiom
is outside the focus of this book.
Where will you see or hear idioms?
You will see and hear idioms in all sorts of speaking and writing. They are particularly
common in everyday conversation and in popular journalism. For example, they are often
found in magazine horoscopes, e.g. You'll spend much of this week licking your wounds
[trying to recover from a bad experience], or in problem pages, e.g. 'Do you think that my
relationship has run its course?' [come to a natural end] However, idioms are also used in
more formal contexts, such as lectures, academic essays and business reports, e.g. 'It is
hoped the regulations will open the door to better management.' [let something new start]
See Unit 41 for more idioms used in formal writing.
Language help
Look out for idioms being used in headlines and advertisements. Make a note of any
interesting examples that you find .
8 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
2.1 Are these sentences true or false? If the answer is false, say why.
1 Few idioms stay in frequent usage for a long time.
2 Your English may sound unnatural if you use certain idioms.
3 Idioms can be used for dramatic effect.
4 Idioms are frequently used to comment on people and situations.
5 Headline writers always use idioms in their correct form.
6 Idioms are only used in some types of speaking and writing.
7 Newspapers and magazines are a good place to find idioms in use.
8 Idioms are not used in academic writing.
2.2 Complete each idiom.
1 My essay is really not very good. Could you please help me knock it into
2 It's time you stopped... ................... your wounds and got back to your normal life.
3 Although the film cost a lot of money to make, it enjoyed no success at all; in fact, it sank
like a.
4 There was a kind of domino .......................................................... when Jill left the company. Others in her
team decided to follow her example, and that then gave the idea to other employees too.
5 Ben and Sarah went out together for a long time, but the relationship eventually ran its
........... .................. ..... - they're both happily married to other people now.
6 The child ren ............................ ............................ up their ears when they heard the word 'chocolate'.
2.3 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
4
2.4 Answer these questions.
1 Would Going up in the world be a better name for a mountain-climbing organisation or
a furniture business?
2 Would Knock yourself into shape be a better slogan for dance classes or a boxing club?
3 Would Let things run their course be advising someone to act quickly or to be patient?
4 If a headline mentioned a debt of honour, would it be suggesting that the law or the person's
conscience should be encouraging them to pay something back?
5 Would This'll make you prick your ears up be a better slogan for a hi-fi company or an earring
business?
Over to you
Do an Internet search for 'company names with puns'. Find three puns that
you can explain.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 9
3 Using reference resources
At advanced level, your aim will be not only to understand idioms, but also to use them
accurately and appropriately. This book will help you achieve these aims. There are other
resources which you should use too.
Dictionaries
To help you study idioms, you need a good learner's dictionary, ideally one which
focuses on idioms. The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary gives you examples
of how idioms are used and also gives information on their use, e.g. whether they are
used humorously, or informally, or in a more literary context. It also highlights the most
important idioms to learn. You can access this dictionary on line at www.dictionary.
cambridge.org. The best learner's dictionaries are corpus-based, i.e. they focus on idioms
that people actually use and give authentic examples of their use. English Idioms in Use
Advanced is based on the Cambridge International Corpus, which is a collection of over
one billion words of real spoken and written English. Here is an example of how idioms are
presented in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary:
like it or lump it informal
if you tell someone to like it or lump it, you
mean they must accept a situation they do
not like, because they cannot change it• The
fact remains, that's all we're going to pay him
and he can like it or lump it. • Like it or lump it,
romantic fiction is read regularly by thousands.
The Internet
You can use the Internet to find out more about the meanings and origins of idioms, and to
see more examples of their use.
• The website http://www.phrases.org.uk lists the meanings and origins of many idioms,
and the site provides examples of how the idioms are used. There is also a link to a
Phrase Finder Facebook page, where you can ask questions about the meaning and
origin of idioms.
• Use a search engine such as Google to find further examples of idioms in use. You could
specify the context in which you want to find examples, for example by typing 'like it or
lump it news', to find examples of the idiom used in newspaper headlines or articles.
Vocabulary notebooks
Always make good , detailed notes about idioms in your vocabulary notebook. Include an
example of the idiom in context, as well as its meaning. Add any notes about its usage, e.g.
informal or literary. Doing a qu ick drawing of an idiom may help you to learn it.
Each time they asked him a question, he was like a rabbit ca ught in the headlights.
IJ AThe speaker unfortunat ely looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights during
most of the discussion. ~ ,,.
= looked very frightened, unable to move or think £L
(also 'deer ' inst ead of 'rabbit ')
10 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
3.1 Answer these questions. Use the information in A opposite to help you.
1 What two things does a good learner's dictionary do, as well as explain the meaning of idioms?
2 How much language and what kind of language is in the Cambridge International Corpus?
3 What does the dictionary say about the usage of like it or lump it?
3.2 Use the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary {book or online) to match each
idiom on the left with the label used in the dictionary on the right. Can you explain
the meaning of the idioms?
1 get off your backside informal
2 have occasion to do something formal
3 the shit hits the fan slang
4 know something inside out old-fashioned
5 not soil your hands offensive
6 send someone to Coventry humorous
7 pigs might fly literary
3.3 Complete each sentence with an idiom from 3.2. You may need to change the form of
the verb.
1 Henry will help you deal with these forms. He ........... .............................. the system
2 They think he's the boss of the criminal gang, but he never .
by committing crimes personally.
3 Joey can be so lazy. I wish he'd ............
4 'I won't be late to work ever again.' 'Oh yes, and ..................................................................................................................1'
5 If Greg finds out what you've done, .................................................................................................................... .
6 I live very dose to the hospital, but luckily I've never ................................................................
go there.
7 She had lied to them, and so they
3.4 Search for "like it or lump it" in the two ways described in Bon the opposite page.
What information did you get?
3.5 Underline the eight idioms in this newspaper article. What do you think each idiom
means? Use a dictionary to help you.
SPORTS MINISTER HOPPING MAD
John Hamilton has made a name feathering their own nests with
for himself by running a tight government money intended for
ship at the Ministry of Sport. young people's sports organisa-
So it was no surprise to his staff tions. 'Such behaviour is quite
that he reportedly 'went spare' beyond the pale,' said Hamilton,
when he learnt what had been 'and the two people concerned
going on behind his back. Two have already been given the sack'.
of his leading advisors had been
English Idioms in Use Advanced 11
4 Common metaphors in idioms
What is a metaphor?
Metaphors describe a person, object or situation by comparing it to something else with
similar characteristics. They are often used in poetry and literature. In Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet, for example, Romeo says 'Juliet is my sun,' suggesting that she is the
most important force in his life, bringing him light and warmth .
Many idioms are based on metaphors. However, idioms are expressions that are used
so frequently and are so fixed in the language that people often do not think about the
metaphors behind them . The metaphors used in idioms are therefore much less original
and thought-provoking than those used in literary contexts. People say, for example, 'The
new president was/ took centre stage at the meeting' [was the most important or noticeable
th ing or person], without thinking of the original image of a theatre.
Work=war
The language of idioms seems to suggest that English speakers see work and business life
as a kind of war, with many work and business idioms based on images connected with
war and fighting. For example, companies launch marketing campaigns, and they may
join forces with one anothe r. Business people might say that a situation is a minefield [is
potentially dangerous] or that a company is a casualty of a difficult economic situation [was
badly affected by it]. A manager may pull rank on his employees [use the power his position
gives him to make them do something], and he may have to get/ take the flak for a problem
[receive strong criticism]. An employee may be given or get his marching orders [lose his
job]. See Unit 15 for more idioms based on war and conflict.
Understanding= seeing
Idioms often equate seeing with understanding. For example, we talk about seeing sense
or seeing reason [becoming sensible / reasonable] or seeing the point [understanding the
importance of something]. Similarly, if someone sees the joke, they understand it. To see
the light can mean to suddenly understand something.
Some other metaphors
Emotion= colour
Red can suggest anger, e.g. 'My brother saw red when I broke his phone.' Black is often
associated with unpleasant feelings: if you get a black mark for something, it means
people think you have done something bad, and they will remember it in future.
Life= a journey
If someone is at a crossroads, they are at a stage in life when they have to make an
important decision. If you say that you are going/ getting nowhere, you mean you are
making no progress. If you say something is taking you into uncharted territory/ waters,
you mean it is taking you into unknown areas of experience.
Life= a gamble
If you have something up your sleeve, you have a secret plan or idea (someone playing
cards for money may hide a card up their sleeve). If you bluff your way into or out of a
situation, you get yourself there by deception in the same way that a gambler may bluff
(pretend to be in a weaker or stronger position than is really the case) .
Language help
Noticing the metaphors underlying many idioms will help you understand and learn
them . Look out for other common concepts such as time= money.
12 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
4.1 Answer these questions. Use the information in A opposite to help you.
1 How do metaphors describe people, objects and situations?
2 In what kind of writing are metaphors frequently used?
3 How are the metaphors used in literary contexts different from those used in idioms?
4 Why do you think it can sometimes be useful for you to be aware of the origins of idioms?
4.2 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
13
2
4.3 Complete each idiom.
1 Tax legislation can be a ................................... for new businesses; there are so many rules to
follow.
2 Our company is planning to ...................................................... a new marketing campaign in April.
3 Shouting at his manager got Tom a black ......................................................... at work.
4 I'm sure your boss will .....:................................................... sense eventually and agree to your plan.
5 At first I didn't see the ..... ........ of going to university or college, but then I saw
the ......................................................... and realised studying would give me more choices for the future.
6 If she doesn't offer to write the report, I'll ................ rank on her and tell her to do it.
7 Noor is ... ....................... .............. a crossroads in her life now that she has finished her medical
degree. She has to decide what she is going to specialise in.
8 George doesn't know much about the job, but I'm sure he'll be able to ........................................................
his way through the interview.
4.4 Replace the underlined part of each sentence with an idiom.
1 Everyone else was laughing, but Katie couldn't understand what was funny.
2 Eva is making no progress with her research .
3 BritTel is going to work together with SatCom to lobby the government.
4 The teacher was furious when Matt refused to do his homework.
5 The errors in the report really weren't Sam 's fault, but he was blamed for them.
6 Tina is hoping her father will eventually become more reasonable and let her drive the
family car.
7 Unfortunately, my brother's transport business was very seriously affected by the rise in
fuel prices.
8 As the president of a major company, Ross is used to being the focus of attention.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 13
I
5 Using idioms accurately
All the examples in this unit come from the Cambridge Learner Corpus. This is a collection
of over 95,000 exam scripts by students from over 190 countries taking Cambridge ESOL
exams. The errors in this unit were actually made by learners in advanced-level exams,
including CAE, Proficiency and IELTS (level 6+}.
A major difficulty with idioms is that they are fixed expressions which cannot be changed -
except when you are deliberately playing with the language. It is therefore very important
to use idioms accurately. See Unit 6 for more information on playing with idioms.
Getting the keywords right
You say that rising unemployment figures are just the tip of the iceberg [a small part of a
much bigger problem], NOT the te-p of the iceberg.
You say that the state is responsible for its citizens' welfare from the cradle to the grave
[from birth to death], NOT from the cradle to the eeffifl.
If you want to talk about people that you do not know or that you do not think are
important, you can say every Tom, Dick and/ or Harry could do that job, NOT every +em--
and Jerry!
If you pay for something yourself, you pay for it out of your own pocket, NOT out of your
own wal-l€t.
If someone is in a bad mood, you can say they are like a bear with a sore head, NOT like a
bear with a sore #H:eat.
When you remember the past nostalgically, you talk about the good old days, NOT the
good old tfffie.
To say that someone or something will not exist for much longer, you can say their days
are numbered, NOT their days are counted.
To talk about limiting someone's freedom, you can use the idiom to clip someone's
wings, NOT to w-t someone's wings.
Getting the details right
Using idioms accurately also means getting even the little words exactly right.
You must not add articles where they are not needed: someone has a spirit of adventure
[enthusiasm for adventurous activities], NOT spirit of aR adventure. You must not leave out
articles either: fashion can be described as up-to-the-minute [new], NOT up to minute.
Take care with prepositions too: someone can be at a loss for words [not know what to say],
NOT at a loss ef words.
Make sure that you also use singular and plural forms correctly: you talk about a couple
tying the knot [getting married (informal)], NOT tying the lrnots.
Word order is very important too : you can be sick and tired of something [angry and
bored], NOT tired and sick of it.
Translating idioms word for word can cause problems. For example, we make a
mountain out of a molehill [make a small difficulty seem like a serious problem], NOT
make an elephant out of a mouse. Always check in a good dictionary before translating
an idiom from your own language.
14 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
5.1 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
3
24
5.2 Are the idioms in these sentences used correctly? If not, correct them.
1 My sister is always buying up-to-minute gadgets.
2 I'm sick and tired of listening to him complaining all the time.
3 My grand ad's always talking about good old days.
4 They've been engaged for six months but haven't made any plans about when they're
going to tie the knots.
5 Magda was at a loss for words when her son told her he had quit his new job.
6 Engineering isn't the kind of job that every Tom, Dick or Henry could do.
5.3 Complete each idiom.
1 Don 't make such a ........................... .......... out of a molehill.
2 Everyone uses mobile phones now, so the days of the land line are .................................. ..................... .
3 My son's got a real ......................................................... of adventure. He's going travelling around the
world for a year.
4 We won free train tickets to Paris in the competition, but we had to pay for the hotel out
of our own.... ........................ .
5 Freddie keeps shouting at everyone today. I don't know why he's behaving like a
................................................... with a sore head.
5.4 Here are some errors made with idioms by candidates in advanced-level exams. Can
you correct them? Looking up the word in brackets in a good idioms dictionary should
help you find the correct idiom.
1 You'll pass your driving test if you really want to - where there's a will. there's a power.
[WILL]
2 I get bored if I always do the same things at the weekend - change is a spice of life.
[VARIETY]
3 Sh ! Be quiet! There's no need to talk at the top of your head . [TOP]
4 He never saves any money. He spends whatever he has. Easy com ing easy going is his
motto. [EASY]
5 I was so upset when I failed the exam . I wept my eyes out of my head. [CRY]
6 She's a total optimist - she always manages to look the good part. [LOOK]
English Idioms in Use Advanced 15
6 Playing with idioms
People often play with idioms for humorous effect or to make something more
memorable. This wordplay is particularly common in journalism and advertising. See Unit
40 for more examples of idioms used in advertising.
Memorable names for businesses
Here are some catchy names of hairdressers' salons.
name of salon I explanation
FRINGE BENEFITS Fringe benefits are something extra you get because of your job in addition to your
pay, e.g. a company car. A fringe is the hair that hangs down over your forehead .
BLOWN AWAY If you are blown away by something (e.g. a performance or a piece of music) ,
it amazes you because it is so good . A hairdresser blows hair dry w ith a hair dryer.
WAVELENGTHS If two people are on the same wavelength, they think in the same way. People
often have, or want, waves in their hair.
News headlines
News headlines often play with idioms in some way, to attract people to read the article.
headline I explanation
DELIVERY DELAYS PART AND PARCEL OF POST a necessary part of an event or experience which
OFFICE PROBLEMS cannot be avoided . (The Post Office delivers
Recent delays in the postal service are symptoms letters and parcels. )
of wider problems, a government report claims.
FIREWORKS FUND BURNING A HOLE IN THE If you have money burning a hole in your pocket,
POCKET OF CITY COUNCIL you want to spend it as soon as possible.
The city council today voted to spencj £100,000 on (Fireworks burn, and if one burnt in your pocket,
a massive public fireworks display. it would make a hole!)
OPTICIANS FAIL TO SEE EYE TO EYE If two people do not see eye to eye, they
The National Assoc iation of British Opticians disagree with each other. (Opticians care for
(NABO) today disagreed about a new set of people's eyes and help them see better.)
standards for the industry.
THEATRE MANAGERS FI NALLY GET THEIR ACT organise themselves so that they do things
TOGETHER efficiently (informal) . (Actors act in a theatre,
The managers of the Cleo Theatre have come up and performers have an act which they
with a rescue package to save the theatre. p e r f o r m .)
AGRICULTURAL REFORM POLICY - FARMERS SIT delay making a decision when they have to
ON THE FENCE choose between two different options in a
The Farmers' Union has stated that it remains dispute.
neutral over the latest plans for reform. (Farms often have fences which sepa rate the
fields .)
CHESS COMPUTER BEATEN BY HUMAN - have to work on a plan from the beginning
DESIGNERS ARE BACK TO SQUARE ONE again because a previous attempt failed and the
Software engineers now have to rethink the progress made was wasted. (A chessboard has
design of the Redray software that failed to work 64 squares on it.)
as planned .
16 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
6.1 Look at the salon names in A opposite. Which idioms do these pictures make you
think of?
123
6.2 These sentences all use idioms from the opposite page. Why are they humorous?
Use a dictionary to find both the idiomatic and literal meanings of the expressions
if necessary.
1 I was offered a job at a hairdresser's salon but the fringe benefits weren 't very good,
so I turned it down.
2 Both John and Emma work as newsreaders for the local radio station, so I'm not surprised
they're always on the same wavelength.
3 The audience were blown away by Tom's solo in the wind instrument competition .
4 Walking a lot and carrying heavy bags is part and parcel of working as a postman.
5 The two film stars have got their act together and resolved their marital problems.
:>
6.3 Complete each idiom.
1 The money was burning ................ . ................................ my pocket.
2 Her two brothers don't see ............... ................................... and haven't spoken to each other for
over a year.
3 Learning how to manage your finances is part ................................................. ...... of becoming an adult.
4 It's time you got ...................................................................... and found a job!
5 The president refused to make a decision and was accused of sitting ..........................
6 My computer crashed, so I'm back to ................................. ...................... with my assignment.
6.4 Match the idioms on the left with the companies or organisations on the right.
1 BACK TO SQUARE ONE D a a delivery firm
2 GETTING OUR ACT TOGETHER D b a gardening company
3 PART AND PARCEL D c a company that makes boa rd games
4 SITTING ON THE FENCE D d a local drama cl ub
What products, organisations or services do you think these idioms from other units in
this book could be used to advertise?
it never rains but it pours (Unit 11)
fighting fit (Unit 47)
two left feet (Unit 50)
English Idioms in Use Advanced 17
7 Idioms from other varieties of English
In this book we focus mainly on idioms which are widely understood throughout the
English-speaking world. However, there are many other idioms which are typical of specific
English-speaking countries, such as the US, Scotland, Australia and South Africa. There is
not space in this book to include idioms from all these different countries, but a few idioms
from the US are included here for interest.
Idioms from the US
Many US idioms originate from baseball. For example, if you do
something right off the bat, you do it immediately; if you throw
someone a curveball, you surprise them with something difficult
or unpleasant to deal with . If someone is batting a thousand, they
are doing something extremely well, better than they had hoped. If
someone drops the ball, they do something stupid or careless.
Other examples of US idioms:
He's trying to catch some z's/z1:s/. [sleep (informal)]
The store is fresh out of tomatoes. [has just finished or sold all its supply]
His advice isn't worth a dime. [has little or no value]
Variations between British and American English
There are sometimes slightly different forms of idioms in US and British English. Here are
some examples:
British English idiom I US English idiom I meaning
the icing on the cake the frosting on the cake something that makes a good thing even better
fight like cat and dog fight like cats and dogs argue violently all the time
donkey work grunt work hard, boring work
take the biscuit take the cake used informally to describe something the
speaker finds very annoying
weep buckets cry buckets cry a lot (informal)
hard cash cold cash money in the form of cash or notes, not a
cheque or credit card
like the cat that got the like the cat that ate the very pleased with oneself (informal, usually
collocates with 'look', 'grin' or 'smile')
cream canary
Language ht:' Ip
Idioms that are used mainly in one specific country will often not be easily understood
by native English speakers from other parts of the world. You may not see or hear them
outside the countries where they originate, so it's safer to use the idioms in this unit
when you are in the appropriate country.
18 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
7.1 Complete each US idiom.
1 I'm exhausted after such a difficult day at work. I'm going to try to ................. ....... some
z's before I have to go out again this evening.
2 I'm afraid we're ........ out of milk. Try next door - maybe they have some.
3 Will was doing well at college until he had some problems with his girlfriend and
......................................................... the ball.
4 Joe is very efficient - he always deals with jobs right off the ......................................................... .
5 Her ring may look expensive, but it isn't .......................... .............. a dime.
6 Rachel's batting a .... at the moment - she's making a great success of her
new job.
7 The speaker found it hard to answer the questions. He clearly wasn 't expecting the audience to
......................................................... him so many curveballs.
7 .2 Is each speaker more likely to be from the US or from Britain?
1 You have to pay the deposit for hiring the boat in cold cash .
2 Rhiannon and her sister have always fought like cat and dog.
3 It was such a sad film - I wept buckets.
4 There's a lot of grunt work to be done before we can open the new restaurant.
5 Having such perfect weather on holiday was the frosting on the cake .
6 Having to stay late at work on a holiday weekend really took the biscuit.
7 What's happened? You look like the cat that got the cream.
7 .3 Rewrite the sentences in 7.2. If the speaker used US idioms, change them to the
equivalent British idiom and vice versa.
7.4 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of? 3
12
Over to J(1u
Find out more about a variety of English th at interests you by going to the website
http://www.wo rld-english.org/ accent. htm. The site includes recordings so you can
listen to the speech of people from different regions too. ....
English idioms in Use Advanced 19
8 Modern idioms
Where do new idioms come from?
As Units 15-24 show, many English idioms have very deep roots in history and culture.
They have their origins in traditional skills, such as sailing (Unit 14), and in such areas as
war (Unit 15), ancient myths (Unit 20) and literature (Unit 22).
However, new idioms evolve all the time from TV, advertising, politics and business. These
idioms often quickly become expressions understood and used by many people in their
everyday lives. Some of these idioms will be popular for a few years but then get forgotten;
others may last. In this unit, we look at some examples of common, but relatively new, idioms.
Some modern idioms
example I meaning
Is Madonna still the first lady of pop? the expert, or the best (by analogy with how the wife of a US
president is referred to as the First Lady)
This programme looks at one couple 's People frequently refer to difficult people or unpopular
experience of living next to neighbours things as being the .. . from hell, e.g. the neighbours from hell
from hell. or the airport from hell.
That young politician was in the news been forgotten
every day for weeks, but now he seems
to have fallen off the radar.
Sofia is a wonderful nurse. She'll always make an extra big effort or do things that are more than is
go the extra mile for her patients. strictly necessary
The website www.cheapholidays.org does exactly what it claims to do
does exactly what it says on the tin.
Finding out what really happened is li_ke difficult to understand or describe because it is not clear or
nailing jelly to a wall. focused enough
I'm cool with that. I'm happy with a suggestion
It doesn't float my boat! I don't agree with what you like or are interested in. (Also
Whatever floats your boat!)
I'm fed up with him big time./ He's into extremely
judo big time.
Modern conversational fixed expressions
If you do not want to discuss anything further, you can say 'That's it! End of (story)!'
If you think that someone is telling you about very personal things that you do not want to
hear about, you can stop them by saying 'Too much information!'
lf a friend starts talking about a subject you do not want to discuss, you could respond
'Don't even go there!'
20 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
8.1 Look at B opposite. Are the idioms in these sentences used correctly? If not,
correct them.
1 You have to be prepared to go the further mile if you want to get promoted .
2 Whatever happened to that pop star you used to like so much? He seems to have completely
fallen off the radar now.
3 This shampoo is great - it does exactly what it writes on the tin .
4 I'd never share an apartment with her - she'd be the flatmate of hell.
5 Stella McCartney is often called the 'first lady of fashion '.
8.2 Complete the dialogue with idioms from B and C opposite. Use one word per space.
Jo: Hi, Meg. Great to see you again. Where's Kate?
Meg: She just texted. She's not coming. Apparently she's really sick and has been throwing
up all night.
Jo: (1) ................................ ........................................ ........................................ ! I don't want to know!
What shall we do then?
Meg: I really want to go that new photography exhibition .
Jo: Mmm,(2) ................ ...............................................
.......................................................... ! I know you ' re into art (3) ..................................... .'
but I'm not. How about the cinema instead?
Meg: Yeah, (4) .................................... .................................................... ...............................
............ . Is Matt coming too?
Jo: (5) ................ ............................................ ········································· ············································ ............ !
We broke up.
Meg: Really? What happened?
Jo: I don't want to talk about it. We're finished . (6) ................... ........................ .. ······················································ !
8.3 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
13
2
4
8.4 Do these sentences make sense? Explain why/ why not. 21
1 It could be fun to live next door to the neighbours from hell.
2 Tilly's father was happy about her plans to marry, but her mother was cool with it.
3 Rani loves that painter's work, but it doesn't float my boat.
4 Getting him to say what he thinks is like nailing jelly to a wall - he's always honest and open.
English Idioms in Use Advanced
9 Similes
What are similes?
Similes are expressions which compare two things; they always include the words as or
like. You can use similes to make your spoken and written English more colourful and your
comparisons more powerful. For example:
My brother's as thin as a rake. [extremely thin]
The baby's skin is as smooth as silk. [extremely smooth]
Pilar is as bright as a button. [extremely clever]
I slept really well, so I feel as fresh as a daisy this morning. [extremely fresh
and full of energy]
George ran like the wind to get the message to Paula before she left. [ran
extremely fast]
I don't want to go in the car with Lottie. She drives like a maniac! [drives fast and badly]
My new sweater fits like a glove. I'm so pleased with it. [fits extremely well]
The two men were in the next room, but I could hear every word they said as clear as
crystal. [very clearly]
Ben claimed to be as poor as a church mouse, but we knew he was rich. [very poor]
As Beth walked in, the house was as silent as the grave. [totally silent]
You should learn similes as whole phrases, because it is usually not possible to change the
individual words (e.g. we do not say as thin as a stick or as thin as a pole). Where it is possible
to change the individual words, the meaning of the simile often changes, for example:
I needed a drink of water. My mouth was as dry as a bone. [extremely dry/ thirsty]
His lecture was as dry as dust, and everyone was bored. [extremely boring]
Everyday similes
The similes in these emails are often used in everyday conversation and informal writing.
••• •••
Hi Jacek, Hi Freya,
It's so obvious you like Anna! You went Have you noticed how Chiara and Rita are as thick as thieves
as red as a beetroot when Stefan lately? Rita said she needed some help and as quick as a flash
was talking about her, so it must be Chiara volunteered - you know, as keen as mustard.And just think,
true! And you were all over her like they used to hate each other and were always fighting like cat and
a rash at the party last week too.Ask dog over the most stupid things.Any idea what's happened? Anyway,
her out! speak later.
Hiroshi Fatima
•• Forww
Hello Manami,
I'll be late for the restaurant tonight - having a bad day at work. I've been
working like a dog, but the boss just came in with a face like thunder and
said I'd made a mess of some sales figures . I've tried to argue with him, but he's
as stubborn as a mule, and you can never convince him that he's wrong.
Time to change my job! Mariusz
Language help
Be careful how you use similes. They have strong meanings and are often used in a humorous
or sarcastic way, e.g. My teacher's explanations are as clear as mud [not clear at all] .
22 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
9.1 Look at A opposite. Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending. Then
complete the sentence with as or like.
1 My new dress fits a maniac.
2 You 'll need to run ....................... silk.
3 She's as thin .................................................. a button.
4 Ana always looks as fresh .................................. a bone.
5 He drove off ......................................................... a rake.
6 Her mouth felt as dry ..... a glove.
7 Their son is as bright ................... the wind to catch the train .
8 Her hair felt as smooth .................................. a daisy.
9.2 Choose the correct word to complete each simile.
1 That book was so boring. It was as dry as [a bone / dust] .
2 You explained it so well - it's a difficult concept, but it's as clear as [crystal / mud] now.
3 I wonder what they're plotting - they look as thick as [two short planks / thieves] .
4 After working in that airless room my mouth feels as dry as [a bone / dust] .
5 I can 't understand what he's trying to say - it's as clear as [crystal / mud].
9.3 Replace the underlined part of each sentence with a simile.
1 Tom and Rosa have been arguing all the time recently.
2 Amy blushed and looked very embarrassed when Lasse commented on her new dress.
3 When our teacher asks the class a difficult question, Hatsuki usually answers without a
moment's hesitation.
4 It was ea rly Sunday morning, and the house was strangely silent.
5 Emma was behaving towards Jakob in a very affectionate way at the barbecue last week.
6 All her sisters are extremely poor.
7 Caterina felt full of energy after her shower.
8 The students in my class are great - hardworking, punctual and very enthusiastic.
9.4 Agree with what A says. Complete each response with a simile.
1 A: B:
He looked [ Yes, heha~ _ --- · (
really angry.
2 A: B: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It's impossible to get him to [ Yes, he's ........................................... (
change his mind .
3 A: He drove off very t /B: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
4 A: quickly, didn't he? Yes, he was drivin g
5 A: _[
You 've been very busy at [-···-······-······-·····_·······················_········· ············_·········
work, haven't you?
yB: ----------------..
You can always re ly on Suzie to [ Y~s, I've ~ee~ ··················································
organise the school co ncert.
----yB:
[-Y-e-s,-.sh- e-'s-.....- ..-.....-.....-.....-.....-....-.....-.....-.....-.....-....-.....-....
English Idioms in Use Advanced 23
10 Binomials
What are binomials?
Binomials are a type of idiom in which two words are joined by a conjunction (linking
word), usually and. The order of the two words is fixed . For example, we always say black
and white, NOT white and black: 'Managing climate change isn't a black and white issue.'
[separate and clear]
The words can be
• synonyms (words which mean the same): Sara's work is always very neat and tidy.
• opposites: If you go for cheaper speakers, the sound quality may be a bit hit and miss.
[sometimes good, sometimes bad (informal)]
• the same word : They finished the race neck and neck. [equal]
• rhyming: Tables in the canteen take a lot of wear and tear. [damage through everyday use]
• alliterative: After the match, the players' legs were black and blue. [very bruised]
• joined by words other than and: The traffic was bumper to bumper all the way to the
coast. [very heavy] Little by little, Vera gained the horse's confidence. [gradually] The
house must be worth a quarter of a million, give or take a few thousand. [plus or minus
(informal)]
Trinomials are a similar type of idiom, in which three words are joined, e.g. 'I've looked
here, there and everywhere for my glasses but can't find them.' [everywhere]
Other examples
example I meaning
Let's toss a coin to see who starts. You call: heads heads is the side of a British coin with the
or tails? monarch's head on it; tails is the other side
We're at sixes and sevens at work this week. in a state of confusion (informal)
Hannah had flu last week, but she's out and about active, doing her usual activities (informal)
again now.
Although the twins look the same, when you talk totally different (informal)
to them you realise they're like chalk and cheese.
It's great to leave the hustle and bustle of the city crowds and noise
at the weekend .
I can't do up these tiny buttons - I'm all fingers am awkward with my hands, unable to do what I
and thumbs today. want to do (informal)
The money for the charity appeal came in in dribs small amounts at a time (informal)
and drabs, but we reached our target in the end.
It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get the hard work
business going.
I've asked you time after time not to do that. many times (usually suggests irritation)
Her interest in painting waxed and waned over fluctuated (The literal meaning of wax and wane
the years. relates to the moon's changes in shape.)
She really doesn't enjoy living in the countryside. completely (typically used about people)
She's a city person, through and through.
We had a great holiday and explored every nook every small place
and cranny of the island.
24 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
10.1 Combine the words in the box to form ten binomials or t rinomials from A opposite.
For each, you will need to add and or another joining word.
black neck little bumper everywhere give cranny here hit little
bumper miss neat blue neck nook take tear there t idy wear
10.2 Complete each dialogue with an idiom from the opposite page.
10.3
1 A: Was the traffic bad on the way here?
B: Yes, it was .......................................................... the whole way.
2 A: Did you get everything you needed today?
B: Yes, but I had to go .... ............................ ............................................................................ to find it all.
3 A: This sofa is only six months old, but it looks really old.
B: Well, it gets a lot of............... .......................
4 A: We're making very slow progress with this project.
B: But we're getting there .....................................................................
5 A: Have you found your watch yet?
B: No, I've searched in every .................................................................................................................. but I still can't find it!
6 A: What's Galya's flat like?
B: Well, you know how organised she is! It's very .......
7 A: Which horse won the race?
B: Two of them finished ....................................................
8 A: Were there a lot of people at the party?
B: About a hundred, ........................................................................... ....................... a few.
Which binomials do these pictures make you think of? Complete the captions.
•1 2 3 4
'The .................................... 'He's a United ....................................... ?' ' Her two dogs
of market day.' supporter are like
10.4 Rewrite each sentence using t he word in brackets.
1 People sta rted t o grad ually enter t he ro om. [DRIBS]
2 Jack's com mitment to work went up and down throughout the year. [WAXED]
3 Have a few days' rest, and you 'll be fully recovered in no time. [ABOUT]
4 I've often told him not t o leave his ca r unlocked . [TIME]
5 The work required a lot of effort, but it was worth it. [BLOOD]
6 The whole team's been in a state of confusion since Kay resigned . [SEVENS]
7 I keep dropping things today - I'm so clumsy. [THUMBS]
8 My mum and I are completely different people, but we get on well. [CHALK]
English Idioms in Use Advanced 25
11 Proverbs
Proverbs are short sentences which refer to something most people have experienced and
which give advice or warnings. Like id ioms, their form is fixed, and it is not always possible
to guess the meaning from looking at the individual words.
Positive situations
In these conversations, the second speaker uses a proverb to repeat and sum up what the
first speaker says.
A: We all want to solve this problem, and I'm sure we'll find a solution.
B: Yes. Where there's a will, there's a way. [if we really want to achieve something, we can]
A: Well, we'll have to invest all of our savings and work really hard, and there's still a
chance the project won't succeed.
B: I know, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. [you need to take risks to achieve
something]
A: I was upset when I didn 't get into university, but at least it leaves me free to go
travelling.
B: Yeah . Every cloud has a silver lining. [there is something good in every bad situation]
A: My job is different every day. It's never boring.
B: Well, variety is the spice of life, isn't it? [change makes life interesting]
A: Josh found it impossible to get a new job, so he set up his own business instead.
B: Yes, well, necessity is the mother of invention. [if people really need to do something,
they will find a way to do it]
Negative situations
In these conversations, the second speaker uses a proverb to repeat and sum up what the
first speake r says.
A: Marta ended her relationship with Jakob, and the next day her friend Ellie met Jakob
for a drink.
B: All's fair in love and war! [all behaviour is acceptable in extreme situations, especially in
romantic situations and competitions]
A: What a day! My car broke down and my wallet has been stolen .
B: It never rains but it pours. [problems always happen together]
A: I wonder why Sylvia and Ben have broken up.
B: Well, it takes two to tango. [two people are equally responsible]
Other popular proverbs
I'm really impatient to finish decorating my flat, but Rome wasn't built in a day! [it takes a
long time to do important things properly]
We should buy extra travel insurance for our skiing trip. Better safe than sorry. [it is better
not to take risks, even if it seems boring or hard work]
I have to study hard and do a lot of exams to become an accountant, but no pain no gain.
[there must be some suffering in order to succeed]
We don't have enough tickets for everybody, so it's a case of first come, first served. [the
first to arrive will get something]
26 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
11.1 Look at A opposite. Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
11.2
11.3 1 Every cloud D a mother of invention.
11.4 2 Nothing ventured , D b there's a way.
3 Necessity is the D c spice of life.
4 Where there's a will, D d nothing gained .
5 Variety is the D e has a silver lining.
Write a suitable response to each remark with a proverb from B opposite.
1 A friend tells you that Max and Lydia are getting divorced because they've both been
having affairs.
2 Someone tells you about three bad things that happened to them all on the same day.
3 Someone tells you about a small lie they told in order to meet somebody that they really like.
4 A friend tells you that they missed the train they wanted to get, but the next train was cheaper
and faster.
5 A friend tells you that they are frustrated that it is taking a long time to set up their own
business.
6 A friend tells you that they are determined to save up enough money to go travelling, but they
don't know how to do this.
Correct the mistakes in these proverbs.
1 We had no tent, so we made a shelter out of branches and leaves to protect ourselves from the
storm. It was a case of need is the mother of invention.
2 I'm doing three jobs at the moment to pay for my studies. Still, they say that change is the
spice of life!
3 I went to the gym every day for three months and felt so much fitter. It was very hard work but
nothing pained, nothing gained.
4 I decided that bungee jumping was too dangerous and didn't go with my friends - better to be
safe than dead .
5 We've got ten laptops at half-price. But hurry - it's first come, first serve.
6 Three big bills at the same time? It never pours but it rains!
Complete each proverb.
1 When we got there, they had given away all the free tickets. It was a case of first
......................................................... , first ......................................................... .
2 Take your time and don't be impatient. Rome wasn 't ............ ........................................... in
........................................................................................................... !
3 It's a shame you missed your flight, but at least we can spend more time together. They do say
every ...................... .......... has ......................................................... silver ......................................................... .
4 All my problems seem to come at the same time. It's true what they say: it never
....................... .................................................. it pours!
5 It's going to be a lot of hard work, but nothing ......................................................... , nothing
6 They are both in the wrong. It takes ............................................. .......... to
English Idioms in Use Advanced 27
12 Cliches and fixed statements
Cliches
A cliche is a comment that is often used in certain common, everyday situations. It is a
comment that most people are familiar with and is therefore not original. Cliches are often
used in everyday conversation, and they are also frequently played with in advertising
slogans and newspaper headlines.
There are plenty more fish in the sea. [There are plenty more people or possibilities. Often
used to cheer up someone who has found one person or opportunity unsuccessful.]
Look on the bright side. [Try to see something good in a bad situation. This is usually followed by
an explanation of what the bright side might be, e.g. after failing a job interview you are told that you
probably wouldn't have enjoyed the job if you'd got it.]
It's easy to be wise after the event or Hindsight is a wonderful thing. [When you know
what happens next, it's easy to say what you or others should have done.]
It's not over until the fat lady sings. [You cannot be sure what will happen until the very end
of something, often a sports event. The expression refers to a long opera which ends with a female
singing the final song.]
Enough is as good as a feast. [You shouldn't have more of something than you need, e.g. food.]
Ignorance is bliss. [You may be happier sometimes when you do not know all the facts about a
situation.]
You can lead a horse to water {but you can't make it drink). [You can give someone the
opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to do it. The second part of the idiom (but
you can't make it drink) is often not actually said .]
Truth will out! [The truth will always become known.]
Fixed statements I meaning
fixed statement Hurry up!
Get your skates on! (informal) I'm doubtful that it will happen.
I'll believe it when I see it. I promise not to tell a secret.
Mum's the word. (informal) I'm happy something or someone has gone.
Good riddance! (informal) Calm down! Relax!
Take it easy! Their behaviour is reasonable.
Fair's fair. (informal) Things are going well up to this point.
So far, so good . Stop criticising me!
Give me a break! (informal)
Language help
It is best not to use cliches in formal writing or when you want to express an original
or complex idea.
28 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
12.1 Answer these questions about the idioms in Aopposite.
12.2
1 Who do we say has to sing before we can be confident something has finished?
12.3 2 What do we say is as good as a feast?
3 What side do we say you have to look on if you are trying to be optimistic?
4 What do we say there are plenty more of in the sea?
5 What do we say that ignorance is?
6 When do we say that it is easy to be wise?
7 Which animal do we say you can lead to water but not make drink?
8 What do we say will happen with truth?
Complete each dialogue with a suitable idiom from the opposite page.
1 A: You won't tell anyone what I told you, will you?
B: No, I promise................................................................................................................... .
2 A: You're always late. It's just not good enough .
B: That's not fair. ...................... ! It's only the third time this week.
3 A: Lucy says she'll have finished her dissertation by Friday.
B: Hmm. .......................... ............................... .
4 A: .... ...................... .................................................................................... !We need to leave in five minutes.
B: Don't worry - I'm nearly ready.
5 A: I'm not sorry Boris is leaving our office. Are you?
B: Not at all. ................................................................................................................ ,
6 A: I'm never going to get this finished in time.
B: ................................................................................................................. ! Don't panic. I'll help you, if you like.
7 A: Sonia's made a bit of a mess of this work, hasn't she?
B: Just............................. ........... It's only her second day here.
8 A: How are you enjoying your new job?
B: ........................... ........................................... ...................... ....... . But it's early days yet.
9 A: Who do you think was behind the plot to bring down the government?
B: I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out. ................................................................................................
Correct the mistakes in these idioms.
1 Let me a break!
2 There are plenty more sharks in the sea.
3 So long, so good.
4 It's not over until the fat lady dies.
5 Truth will escape.
6 Dad's the word.
Over to
Search on line to find examples of the following cliches: Any friend ofyours is a friend of
mine. Beauty is only skin deep. Money is the root of all evil. What does each cliche mean?
Write a short dialogue illustrating it in use.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 29
13 Other languages
As you probably know, English includes many words from other languages. The idiomatic
expressions in this unit all come from Latin or French.
Latin
idiom I example I meaning
ad hoc He was paid on an ad hoc basis. not planned but arranged or done
/red'hok/ when needed
ad infinitum Their list of demands seemed to go on without end, forever
/redmf1'na1tam/ ad infinitum.
compos mentis My grandfather is nearly 100, but he is perfectly in control of his actions, mentally
/kompos 'mentis/ compos mentis. healthy
de facto Jorge is the de facto head of the organisation. existing but not officially agreed
/de1 1frekt:iu/ (formal)
non sequitur Keiko's response seemed like a complete non a statement which does not seem to be
/non'sekw1ta/ sequitur to me. connected with what was said before
status quo The Conservatives favoured maintaining the the present situation
/ste1tas 'kw:iu/
status quo, while the Liberals hoped for change.
French
A: Are you familiar with our health and safety procedures?
B: No, I'm not really au fait /au'fe1/ with them yet. [fully knowledgeable about]
A: I hate people who talk loudly on their mobile phones on trains .
B: I agree. They're my absolute bete noire /bet'nwa:/. [what the speaker hates most]
A: It's always beautiful weather when you have to study for exams.
B: I know. It's always the way. C'est la vie /se1.lre'vi:/! [you say this when something happens that you
do not like but which you have to accept]
A: Only the very best students are accepted on this course.
B: I know. They really are the creme de la creme /krem.da. la:'krem/. [very best]
A: I wish he'd consulted with us first about changing the computer systems.
B: Yes, he just presented us with a fait accompli /fet.akom'pli:/. [a decision that has been made or a
completed action that cannot be chang
A: I think she should make more effort to control her children .
B: Yes, she has quite a laissez-faire /le1se1'fea/ approach , doesn't she? [desire not to control]
A: The older generation criticising young people! There's nothing new about that.
B: Yes, plus ~a change /plu: sre' Jon3"! [times change, but some things stay the same.]
30 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
13.1 Complete each sentence with a Latin expression from A opposite.
13.2
13.3 1 We don't receive many complaints, so we just deal with them on an
...................................................................................................... basis.
2 They are now the ......................... ................................................................................... government and will remain in
power until the election results are finalised.
3 This sentence in your essay is a ............................ .............................. ...... - it's not logically
connected to your previous point.
4 I could go on ............ ............................................. about the advantages of moving to the
countryside.
5 Whenever a new person takes over as manager, they disturb the
..................................................... , at least to some extent.
6 His lawyer claims he wasn't fully ...................................................................................... ................. when he admitted
he was guilty.
Replace the underlined part of each sentence with a suitable expression.
1 There were no opportunities for discussion . The reform was presented as a decision
which had already been made.
2 All players must be confident that they know the rules of the game.
3 I can't come out tonight because I have to work late. Oh well, it can't be helped.
4 Of course, I love being a movie star, but I must say that awards ceremonies are what I
most detest.
5 So Dan has been arguing with his boss again. Things don't change!
6 A lot of the parents are not very happy about the new headmaster's liberal attitude to
behaviour.
Are these sentences true or false? If the answer is false, say why.
1 A laissez-faire approach is strict and intolerant.
2 A de facto leader is the officially recognised leader of an organisation.
3 The creme de la creme of applicants are the best applicants for the job.
4 It is good to include non sequiturs in your writing.
5 Abete noire is something that you do not like.
6 If you are compos mentis, you are not responsible for your actions.
7 A fait accompli can easily and quickly be changed .
8 If someone talks about something ad infinitum , they talk about it for a long time.
Over to 11(,1,
Match the following literal translations to idioms on the opposite page: cream of the
cream, it does not follow, a done deed. What is the connection between the translat ion
and the way the idiom is used in English? Can you work out any more literal
translations to idioms in this unit?
English Idioms in Use Advanced 31
14 Sailing
As Britain is an island nation, with the sea playing a major role in the country's history and
its economy, it is not surprising that the language has developed many idioms from sailing.
Talking about a business
Read this magazine article about a couple who bought a hotel.
When we took over the hotel five years ago, the business was on the rocks 1•
The economy was doing badly and people were giving luxury hotels like ours
a wide berth2. The previous owners had decided to cut and run3, but we
loved the place and were sure we could make a go of it. We battened down
the hatches4 by cutting costs as much as possible and did all we could to run
a tight ship5. Holidays and any other luxuries for our own family went by the
board6 for two years. However, we managed to weather the storm7 and are
now making good headway8. We have lots of major bookings in the offing9
and are confident of making excellent profits this year.
1 in serious difficulty 5 control a business or organisation firmly and
2 avoiding (berth is an old sailing term meaning the
effectively
distance a ship should leave between itself and a 6 were abandoned (the image comes from
potential danger such as rocks)
3 avoid a difficult situation by leaving suddenly (the something being thrown overboard into the sea)
image comes from cutting mooring ropes in order 7 survive difficult times
to make a quick departure) 8 making good progress
4 got ready for a difficult situation by preparing in 9 likely to happen soon (offing was a term
every way possible (the image comes from closing
the ship's doors securely when a storm is likely) used to refer to the part of the sea on the
horizon)
More sailing idioms
idiom I example I explanation
be taken We were taken aback when Ben were very surprised (If a boat is taken aback, it
aback announced his resignation . is suddenly attacked from behind .)
leave high Many holidaymakers were left high put in a difficult situation which they could
and dry and dry when the tour company not improve (The image is of a boat stuck on a
collapsed . sandbank and unable to move.)
take the Amelia was keen to become an actor, made her feel less confident, by saying or doing
wind out of but her teacher's criticism of her something unexpected (If there is no wind in a
sb's sails performance took the wind out of boat's sails, then it is unable to move.)
her sails.
in the wake Thousands of people lost their jobs following closely behind (The wake is the trail
of sb / sth in the wake of the recession. of foam left by a boat as it moves.)
or in sb's / The consultant strode through the
sth's wake hospital, several students in his
wake.
all hands We'll need all hands on deck if everyone must help (A hand is a sailing term
on deck we're going to be ready for the party for a sailor and deck is the area you walk on
on time. outside on a boat.)
any port in I really don't like staying there, but You must accept any help you're offered
a storm I had no choice but to accept Jan's when you're in a difficult situation . (When
offer. Any port in a storm, I'm afraid! there is a storm at sea, a boat has to go to
the nearest port.)
32 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
14.1 Choose the correct answers.
14.2
14.3 1 Are you more likely to cut and run if a) things are going badly or b) things are going well?
14.4 2 Would you give a wide berth to a) something that attracts you or b) something that you
do not want to approach?
3 If a politician is said to have weathered the storm, has he a) got through some problems
or b) created some problems?
4 Would you batten down the hatches if you are a) expecting problems or b) expecting a
relaxed period?
5 Is your daily exercise regime more likely to go by the board if a) you have some extra time
or b) you are very busy?
6 If you were making good headway with your language studies, would you be a) pleased
or b) upset?
7 If an event is in the offing, a) has it already happened or b) is it still in the future?
8 If a boss likes to run a tight ship, is he/she a) strict or b) relaxed?
9 If you had a business which was on the rocks would you be a) pleased or b) worried?
Complete each idiom.
1 I'd like all hands on .... ................................................... for the next few hours, please.
2 The bad reviews of his first album took the ......................................................... out of the singer's sails.
3 He wrote an interesting article about European politics ....... ......................... the wake of
the war.
4 I was quite ........................................................ aback to hear that Maura had handed in her not ice.
5 Alex went home early, leaving me ......................................... .............. and dry at the party with no one else
to talk to.
6 Unfortunately, our plans to go on holiday this summer have had to go by the
....................................................... , as we're moving house.
7 I didn't want to sleep on my aunt's sofa for two weeks, but any port in a ..................................................... ,
as they say.
8 Despite the financial problems, I am confident that the company will succeed in
......................................................... the storm.
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 There's trouble ahead, so we'd better batten down the D a offing.
2 It's a long journey, but we're making good D b wake.
D3 The business is doing so badly that I'm tempted to cut and c hatches.
4 There are some interesting plans for new projects in the D d sails.
D5 The film star left the room with a group of journalists in her e run .
6 It's about time someone took the wind out of Marco's D f headway.
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using the word in brackets.
1 I try to avoid the city centre on Saturdays if I possibly can . [BERTH]
2 Jaime's mother was very surprised by his decision to leave school. [ABACK]
3 Amy's plans to buy a new car were abandoned when she lost her job. [BOARD]
4 Their relationship has been in serious difficulty for some months. [ROCKS]
5 Asim controls the business in a firm and efficient way. [SHIP]
6 The cost of home insurance has risen as a result of last summer's floods. [WAKE]
7 We were in a difficult situation when the babysitter didn't turn up. [HIGH]
8 I know it's been hard for you, but I'm sure you 'll get through the bad times. [STORM]
English Idioms in Use Advanced 33
15 War and conflict
Idioms based on war
Many idioms come from the topic of war. They are used to refer to actions and events that
are seen as similar to battles, conflicts or struggles.
In these newspaper cuttings, the first sentence explains the idiom in the headline.
Emotional call to arms inspires a generation Minister drops an economic bombshell
President Forga's recent challenge to young The shock announcement by Ms Hanaria that the
people to show solidarity and vote in the next country is in a deep economic crisis, and that the
election has won widespread support. currency must be devalued, stunned city economists
today.
Sales tax - PM beats a retreat School closures - parents on
the warpath
After widespread negative reaction to his
suggestion yesterday that sales tax should be 'Parents are very angry and have decided to
raised, the prime minister today said there take action immediately,' said a spokesperson.
were 'no immediate plans for an increase'. Demonstrations are planned for all major cities.
More bad news for Teachers come out fighting
shell-shocked investors
The head of the teachers' union said today that
Investors, who are already suffering from the financial teachers would not accept a drop in salary and
crisis, are feeling nervous today as Southern Bank would oppose the decision to the very end.
prepares to announce unexpectedly high losses.
Idioms connected with firearms
I think you shot yourself in the foot by leaving your old job before getting a new one.
[unintentionally did or said something foolish which made your situation worse]
When I suggested raising the membership fee, Sergio shot me down in flames.
[immediately criticised my idea and refused to accept it]
I think we should hang/ hold fire before making any rash decisions about redundancies.
[delay making a decision]
Idioms connected with violent events, armies, conflict and struggle
Now that I have a PhD, I've at least got a fighting chance of getting a teaching job in a
university. [a small but real possibility]
Winning the cup in 1998 was just a flash in the pan - they haven't won a match since then!
[something that happened only once and was not repeated]
Our new IT manager had a baptism of fire on her first day at work - all the computers
crashed! [very difficult first experience of something]
As she left the studio, Dana Freen had to run the gauntlet of reporters asking her about
her controversial new film . [face a lot of people who were criticising or attacking her]
Sometimes it's a real battle of wills between me and my dog - he wants to go one way across
the park and I want to go another! [conflict between two different, strong desires or intentions]
After college, I joined the ranks of the unemployed for a year before I got my first job.
[became (unemployed)]
Zetec stole a march on its rivals by launching its new car model six months earlier than
expected. [got an advantage by acting before their rivals did]
34 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
15.1 Complete the text with idioms from A opposite.
Teachers are on the (1) .......................................................... have instantly agreed to oppose the plans, with
after the education minister yesterday dropped strike action if necessary. 'All our members
his (2) .......................................................... about government have come out (5) .......................................................... and
plans to reduce teachers' pay and increase we are confident that the government will be
their working hours. Teaching unions have forced to (6) .......................................................... a retreat,'
issued a call to (3) .......................................................... , and said union leader Chris Banks at a press
(4) ..........................................................-shocked teachers conference this afternoon.
15.2 Match words from each box to form six idioms.
shoot down in baptism a flash in of fire the pan of wills flames
a battle run hang/ hold fi re the gauntlet
15.3 Complete each dialogue with an idiom from 15.2. You may need to change the form of
15.4 the verb.
1 A: I think it would be better to postpone making a decision for a bit.
B: Yes, let's ............................ ......................................... until the situation is clearer.
2 A: Well, your first day at work was certainly full of drama.
B: Yes, it was a real ............................................................................................................ .
3 A: Has he written any other books?
B: No, I think the fi rst one was just
4 A: Would you like to be a celebrity?
B: No, I'd hate to have to. .......... of the paparazzi
whenever I left the house.
5 A: He's very critical, isn 't he, your boss?
B: Yes, all my ideas usually get ...........................................................................................
6 A: Why do parents and teenagers always seem to clash?
B: Well, you often have ................................................................................................................ , especially between sons
and fathers.
Correct the ten mistakes with idioms in this paragraph.
When Ali graduated, he decided he didn 't want to meet the ranks of co mmuters struggling to
work every day. He wanted to set up his own online gift-ordering busin ess so that he could
work from home. He knew it was a risk but felt he would have at least a fighting opportunity of
success. Initially, he and a college friend planned to start t he business together. Ali had the idea
and Igor, his friend , had the money to invest in the co mpany. But then ju st weeks before the
launch, Igor dropped a bomb: he sa id he no longer wanted to be part of Ali's plans. Despite Ali's
attempts to persuade him to wait fi re on his decision, Igor said he was no longer prepared to
take the risk and was goin g to hit a retreat before it was too late. However, two weeks later Igor
took a march on Ali by launching his own online gift-orderin g company. Ali was gun-shocked by
this betrayal, but he soo n ca me out battling. He took Igor's behaviour as a call to weapons and
has persuaded a bank to lend him th e money he needs. Ali 's introduction to the business world
has certainly been a beginn ing of fi re, but I'm su re he will be really successful.
Over to ~
Use a search engine to search for these words: warpath, shell-shocked, bombshell,
gauntlet. Write down an example sentence where each word is used in an idiom.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 35
16 Transport
As transport is such an everyday experience for many people, it is unsurprisingly a rich
source of idioms.
Trains
Karl was full of enthusiasm when he started his university course. He worked extremely hard at first,
but, after a couple of years, he ran out of steam1 and lost interest in his studies. He spent much more
time going to parties and staying out all night than studying, and his tutor worried that he had gone
off the rai1s2. But then Karl fell in love with a student in his department. Now, six months down the
line3, he is back on track4 towards gaining an excellent degree and fulfilling his dreams.
1 lost energy or interest 3 later
2 started behaving in an unacceptable way 4 again on the way to achieving something
Cars
We use at/ behind the wheel to mean 'be the driver' (NB in this expression, wheel refers to
the steering wheel): I saw their car this morning but couldn't make out who was at the wheel.
We talk about someone being in the driving seat to mean that they are in control of the
situation: Although the general manager is officially in charge, everyone knows his deputy
is really in the driving seat.
We talk about life in the fast lane to mean a life that is active, exciting and dangerous.
Life in the slow lane is correspondingly lacking in excitement and danger: I've had
enough of life in the fast lane, so I'm giving up my executive sales job and moving to the
countryside.
Doing a U-turn means changing direction, and it is used idiomatically when talking about
politics: Initially, the minister was against increasing road tax, but he has now done a
U-turn and is defending the plan.
If we go/ move/ step up a gear, we start to work or play more effectively or quickly than
before: After half-time, the team stepped up a gear and managed to score three goals.
Planes
idiom I example I meaning
be flying high The company had some initial problems is very successful
but now it is flying high.
fly by the seat of your We had no business experience before doing something difficult without
pants opening the shop, so we were really flying much experience or ability
by the seat of our pants at first. (informal)
do something on I've written so many references now that I do something without thinking
autopilot can more or less do it on autopilot. (informal)
take a nosedive Share prices took a nosedive last week. went down suddenly and fast
be on a collision The two countries are on a collision are behaving in such a way
course course, and it seems that nothing can be that is likely to cause a major
done to prevent serious trouble. disagreement or fight
come to a standstill Production has come to a standstill stopped
because of the strike.
36 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises 3
16.1 Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
12
go ................................... run ................................................................... do ............................
16.2 Complete each dialogue with an idiom from the opposite page.
16.3 1 Tim: Edward's moving to New York. He said he needs more excitement in his life.
16.4
Ruth : Yes, I think he's tired of .................................................................................... ........................ .
2 Rob: The government have changed their mind completely on the new vehicle tax!
Pierre: Yes, they've .............................................................................................................. .
3 Mona: Their son has started getting into trouble with the police.
Leon: Yes, he seems to have ............................................... ............................................................... .
4 Rajiv: They were so enthusiastic when they started the new conservation scheme, but
now it all seems to have slowed down.
Nick: Yes, the whole project seems to have .................................................................................................
5 Ursula: We need to start doing things more effectively and quickly.
Mark: Yes, we definitely need to ................................................................................................................ .
6 Freda: Did you see who was driving when the accident happened?
Krishnan: No, I couldn't see who was ....................................... .
Match the beginning of each sentence with its ending.
1 I'm glad to say that things are now back D a driving seat any more.
2 We don't know what could happen a year down D b a collision course.
D3 Things are out of control. Nobody seems to be in the c the line.
4 Profits of Internet-based companies have taken D d a complete standstill.
5 I think the employers and the unions are on D e on track.
6 Nothing's happening. Things have come to D f a nosedive recently.
Choose the correct answer.
1 If a business is flying high, it is a) failing b) just starting up c) doing well and is profitable.
2 If you do something on autopilot, you do it a) without thinking
b) using a computer c) deliberately.
3 If someone is back on track, they are a) being punished for bad behaviour
b) behaving in a less responsible way c) behaving responsibly again.
4 If you are flying by the seat of your pants, you are doing something a) without much ability or
experience b) without thinking about it c) which is very exciting.
Over to--~' _.,_._,....,. ~ _,.
Find the meanings of these idioms in a dictionary or on line and make a note of them in your
notebook under the heading 'Transport idioms'. Note down the definition, an example sentence
and any other useful information, such as whether it is formal or informal, etc.: drive someone
round the bend, a back-seat driver, step on it, put the brakes on, give / get the green light.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 37
17 Animals ·
Cats and dogs
A: Matt and Jess are so arrogant.
B: Yes, they think they're the cat's whiskers. [better than everyone else]
A: Do you think he'll get the job?
B: With no qualifications or experience? He hasn't got a cat in hell's chance! [no chance at all]
A: It's not fair that we have exams immediately after the school holidays!
B: I know, it's a dog's life! [life is hard and unpleasant]
A: I know I don 't need the car over the weekend, but I don't want you to use it either.
B: Don't be such a dog in the manger! [keeping something so that other people can't use it,
not because you really want it yourself]
Farm animals
idiom I example I meaning
flog a dead horse You're flogging a dead horse wasting time trying to do something
trying to persuade Kim to move that won 't succeed (usually used in
house again . continuous tenses)
(straight) from the Guess what? Juan is going to work from the person concerned
horse's mouth in Moscow! I got it straight from
the horse's mouth!
until the cows come You can argue until the cows come for a very long time
home home, but I'll never agree.
sort (out) the sheep Setting the class such a difficult find the people or things of high quality
from the goats exercise will certainly sort the from a group of mixed quality
sheep from the goats.
might as well be You 're already late, so just take all might as well do something more serious
hung for a sheep as day off. You might as well be hung as you are going to be punished anyway
a lamb for a sheep as a lamb!
Other animals
In these conversations, the second speaker uses an idiom to repeat and sum up what the
first speaker says.
A: The president's just pretending to be upset about the situation, don 't you think?
B: Yes, he's shedding crocodile tears to get popular support.
A: Thomas was really upset when his team let in an own goal.
B: Yes, he was sick as a parrot, wasn't he?
A: Ana's hoping that Carlos will stop gambling once they're married, but I doubt
he will.
B: No, a leopard can't change its spots.
A: He complained his business was about to fail so often that no one believed him when it
finally did.
B: Yes, he cried wolf once too often .
A: He looks kind and gentle, but he's not like that at all.
B: You 're right. He really is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
A: I'm sure everyone is thinking about the divorce, but no one ever mentions it.
B: That's right. It's certainly the elephant in the room .
38 English Idioms in UseAdvanced
Exercises
17.1 Complete each dialogue with an idiom from A opposite.
17.2
1 A: She obviously thinks she looks really good in that new dress, doesn't she?
B: Yes, she thinks ...... .....................................................................
2 A: Things are pretty hard for you at the moment, I guess.
B: Yes, it's ................................. ............................................................................. !
3 A: Do you think you 'll pass your driving test?
B: No, I haven't got ............................................................. ..............................................
4 A: Her husband is so selfish. he never shares anything, even if he doesn't want it.
B: Yes, he has a real ............. .......................................... ................................ ..... attitude.
Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
5
~2 4 6
" '~ I' ~
I'
i Ji~ 1J\ JI 1
17.3 Complete each idiom.
1 He's flogging a dead ............ ....... trying to revive that old idea .
2 He'll never stop causing trouble - a ......................... .............................. can 't change its spots.
3 Lucy will argue with you about that until the ........ ...... come home.
4 He was sick as a ......................................................... not to make the finals.
5 Let's stay out a bit longer. We might as well be hung for a .............................. ........... as a
17.4 Replace the underlined part of each sentence with an idiom.
1 Don't pretend there's an emergency. or no one will help when you really need it.
2 The minister pretends to be upset about homelessness, but does nothing about it.
3 I hate our neighbours' selfish attitude - they don't want the parking space, but they won 't let
us have it.
4 We can discuss it for a very long time, but I won't change my mind .
Over to yllu
Look up these animals in your dictionary: snake,
fish, rat. Can you find an idiom using each of them?
....
English Idioms in Use Advanced 39
18 Parts of the body
The head and face
You should face up to your Kate is head and shoulders It was one in the eye for3
problems. Don't just bury above2 her twin sister when his critics when he won the
your head in the sand1 tennis tournament.
it comes to passing exams.
My dad has a good head I just held / bit my
for4 figures. He can do tongue5 and said nothing.
complicated sums in seconds.
As an English speaker, I find
There's more to this news it difficult to get my tongue
story than meets the eye6. round7 Scandinavian names.
Let's put our heads together8 After some teething
and organise a surprise troubles9, our new wireless
birthday party for Sam. network is working well.
I think the success of his first I like my economic history
film has gone to his head 10. class. I've enjoyed getting my
He thinks he's wonderful. teeth into11 a new subject.
She won 't apologise I don't know why I didn't In a face-saving14 exercise,
the minister agreed to meet
because she doesn't want get the job. Perhaps my the demands of the striking
to lose face 12. face just didn't fit13. firefighters.
1 refuse to think about unpleasant facts or problems because you do not want to deal with them
2 a lot better than 3 a disappointment for 4 is good at something; collocates strongly with business, figures or
heights 5 stopped myself from saying something which I really wanted to say 6 it is more difficult to understand
or involves more things than one thought 7 pronounce 8 plan something together 9 problems in the early
stages of doing something new 10 made him think he's very important and made him a less pleasant person
11 becoming involved in something enthusiastically 12 lose the respect of others 13 my appearance or
personality was not suitable for the job 14 done so that other people will continue to respect you
Other body idioms
I would give my right arm for a job in the film industry. I've always loved the movies.
[would very much like to have]
I don't want to tread on your toes, but would it be OK if I added a few paragraphs to your
report? [do something that could upset someone by getting involved in something that is their
responsibility]
The med ia tend to point the finger at the government for most of the current problems.
[accuse of being responsible for]
He gave an awful speech. He made lots of jokes but nobody laughed. It made my toes
curl. [made you feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed for someone else]
You have to read the newspapers daily if you want to keep your finger on the pulse.
[stay up-to-date]
Language help
Draw pictures to help you remember the idioms, made my toes curl
e.g. draw toes and write the 'toes curl' idiom in it.
40 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
18.1 Correct the mistakes in these idioms from A opposite.
18.2
18.3 1 I wonder what is really behind the president's decision. I'm sure there's more to it than
meets the mind .
18.4
2 Melissa is head and hair above her brother when it comes to maths.
3 I'm sure we can think of a good present for Jim if we put our hearts together.
4 Kasia really loves getting her mouth into a new project.
5 You mustn't bury your feet in the sand - problems don't go away if you ignore them.
6 It was one in the nose for Liliana 's brother when she passed her driving test first time -
it had taken him five attempts.
Read these statements and answer the questions.
1 The government is anxious not to lose face and so is refusing to back down .
Is the government afraid of losing respect or money?
2 Danny finds it very hard to bite his tongue when his boss says something foolish.
Does Danny want to laugh or to speak?
3 The novelist said she always enjoyed getting her teeth into a new book.
Is the novelist talking about starting or finish ing a new book?
4 Management has introduced some face-saving measures in the attempt to make the problems
seem less serious.
Is management concerned about a loss of staff or a loss of respect?
5 Winning the prize has gone to Lucia 's head.
Is Lucia nicer or less nice because of her success?
Match the statements on the left with a suitable response on the right.
1 Let's talk about planning the party. D a Yes, there's more to it than meets
the eye.
2 Bruno was upset when he lost the race D b That's right, his face didn't fit.
to his rival.
3 Ahmed 's been so arrogant since he won D c Yes, he was afraid of losing face.
that competition.
4 He didn't want people to think less of him . D d Yes, it was one in the eye for him.
5 They never really liked him in his old job. D
e Yes, they're all pointing the finger
at him.
6 It's a very complicated issue, I th ink. D f Yes, let's put our heads together.
7 Everyone says that Karl is to blame. D g Well, it's good to keep you r finge r
on the pulse.
8 I read a newspaper every day. D h Yes, it's really gone to his head .
Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using the word in brackets.
1 I wish I could go to Japan with you! [ARM]
2 After some initial smal l problems, the business began to do well. [TEETHING]
3 I find it very hard to pronounce some Welsh place names. [TONGUE]
4 I don't know why they're accusing me - I'm not gui lty. [FINGER]
5 I'm not very good at maths, but my brother understands all about figures. [HEAD]
6 I hope I'm not interfering. but could I suggest you try a different approach? [TOES]
7 Paulo's speech at the wedding was so embarrassing! [TOES]
8 I don't see how you can keep in touch with what's going on in the world if you never watch TV
or listen to the radio. [FINGER]
English Idioms in Use Advanced 41
19 Games and sport
Card games and board games
You 'd think it was Monopoly money, the amount he spent last week. [money that has no
value and is used only in games]
I wanted the job in Paris, but I knew the dice were loaded against me because my French
isn 't very good . [I would be unlikely to succeed]
He drives so fast! You 're dicing with death if you let him drive you . [taking a great risk]
The audience sat there poker-faced all through the play. [expressionless; this comes from the
card game poker, where you must not let your face reveal whether you have good or bad cards]
Management found that the union held all the cards in the pay talks. [was in a strong
position]
I kept/ played my cards close to my chest in the interview. [didn't reveal my plans]
The politician played his ace/ trump card by promising lower taxes for all on the day of
the election . [used his advantage, especially one others did not know about]
Ball games •••
••
Hi Dan iel Hi Craig
Sorry you 're having a hard time. It seems unfair
Having a bad day at work. My boss has just increased my
to push Jen out just because of something so
sales targets again! It's so unfair. He just keeps moving minor - it's just not cricket4! My new company
the goalposts1. On top of that, my colleague Jen has is a whole new ball game5 from t he last one.
just announced she's leaving, which has completely People here like to play hardball6. Everybody is
knocked me for six2 because I really like working with her. always competing against everyone else. I think
Apparently, she got the red card3 from Jerry because she
was late a few times, and she's decided to leave. I'll have to take a rain check tonight7. I promised
I'd make the dinner.
Anyway, fancy going to see a film tonight?
Daniel
Craig
1 changing the rules in a situation in a way that is not fair 2 surprised and upset me 3 received official criticism
for bad behaviour 4 it's not right or fair behaviour; usually used humorously 5 a completely different situation
6 be so determined to get what they want that they use unfair methods 7 something you say when you have to
refuse someone's invitation to something that you would like to do at another time
Boxing
idiom I example I explanation
not pull any The coach didn't pull any punches when spoke in an honest and direct way
punches he told the team how badly they had without trying to be tactful
played.
be / feel The trade fair was so noisy and busy that I was tired and confused (If a boxer is
punch -drunk felt punch-drunk by the end of the week. punch-drunk, he is dazed as a result of
being hit on the head.)
below the belt It was below the belt to mention his an unfair attack (In boxing, hitting
rival 's marital problems to the journalist. someone below the belt is not allowed .)
throw in the Kisho will never agree to throw in the In t he past, throwing the sponge or
sponge / towel sponge, even if he has lost any chance of towel into the ring meant admitting
winning the election . defeat.
42 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
19.1 Look at A opposite. Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
1 35
play/ keep ....................................... M.............................................................. dicing ...................................................
2
46
hold ....................................................... the dice ............................................... play ........................................................
19.2 Rewrite the underlined part of each sentence using an idiom from 19.1.
19.3
19.4 1 I felt I was taking a huge risk riding at high speed on the back of his motorbike.
2 I didn't tell anyone about my plans and didn't mention that I was going to resign soon .
3 He's so rich. He spends money as if it were toy money.
4 The barrister used an advantage none of us knew about and revealed the final piece of evidence.
5 I wanted a job in politics, but felt I was unlikely to succeed as I had no personal contacts in the
political world.
6 Masa is so much more qualified and experienced than I am. He has all the advantages if we
both apply for the same job.
Read these statements and answer the questions.
a Joseph just sat there with a blank expression on his face.
b I think Ivana was unfair when she mentioned to her boss that Kim had once been in prison.
c Jung said he was too busy to come with us this time, so we went without him.
d The news obviously surprised and upset Gina a lot.
1 Who said something that was below the belt? .................................................
2 Who took a rain check? .......................................
3 Who was knocked for six by something? ................ ...................................
4 Who was poker-faced ? ..............................................
Complete each idiom.
1 Jin's in a very powerful positi on; he ......................................................... all th e .....................................................
2 The teacher has ......................................................... th e ......................................................... so many times that none of the
students knows what the rules are any more .
3 Liam is very direct with people; he never ......................................................... any ......... .............................................. .
4 What? The headteacher changed t he holid ay from a wh ole day to a half day! Poor kids! It's just
not ......................................................... , is it?
5 The two presidential candidates have played ....................................... ................ recently and have made
quite personal attacks on each othe r.
6 Advertising on TV is not the same as it was 20 years ago; it's a whole ........................ ...... now.
7 Everyone felt ......................................................... after six hou rs of political debate.
8 At 10 pm on the night of the election, the president threw ...................................................... and admitted
he had lost.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 43
20 Ancient myths and history
Greek mythology
Read these comments made by politicians:
I think this party has a great future, but corruption seems to be our Achilles' heel.
In his latest speech criticising the prime minister's actions, the finance minister has opened a
Pandora's box of political and legal problems.
Our leader has shown that she has the Midas touch when it comes to economic planning.
His appointment to leader has caused many problems within the party, with some members
accusing him of being a Trojan horse, sent to destroy the party from within.
Another stock market crash is hanging over this government like the sword of Damocles.
person or place I explanation
Achilles /:::i'k1h:z/ Achilles' heel was the only place on his body that the hero could be wounded or killed. It
was his one weak point.
Pandora Pandora carried a box which held all the evils of the world. When she opened it, evil
escaped into the world .
King Midas Everything Midas touched turned into gold.
Troy The Greeks sent a huge wooden horse into the city of Troy as a gift. Soldiers were hiding
inside, who then attacked the city.
Damocles During a banquet, Damocles saw a sword hanging by just one hair above his head, ready
to fall and kill him.
Other expressions related to ancient myths and history
In these conversations, the second speaker uses an idiom to repeat and sum up what the first
speaker says.
A: The government needs to act now before it's too late!
B: I know. It's like they're fiddling while Rome burns.
A: We've won an important victory, but we must fight on.
B: Yes, we mustn't rest on our laurels.
A: I'll examine every word in every single document until I find the answer.
B: Yes - leave no stone unturned.
A: We knew it was going to end in disaster. It was so obvious!
B: I know - we all saw the writing on the wall.
A: The early days of our business were such fun, and we were so successful!
B: Yes, they really were the halcyon days.
A: I don't think we should react to their insults.
B: I agree. Let's just turn the other cheek.
A: We won our court case, but we've got no money left. It wasn't such a great success after all!
B: No, I agree. It was more of a Pyrrhic victory.
A: So Marco accepted responsibility for the situation and resigned as director?
B: Yes, he decided to fall on his sword.
A: The last thing Edward said to his boss when he left the job was that she was a fool!
B: Yes, that wasn't such a great parting shot, was it?
A: The dispute has got bigger and bigger - everyone's involved now.
B: Yes, it seems to have grown to epic proportions.
44 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
20.1 Look at A opposite. Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
12 3 4
20.2 Complete each sentence with an idiom from 20.1.
20.3
1 New financial regulations are hanging over the banking industry like
................................ .................................. .............. Bankers are extremely worried .
2 One famous type of computer virus works like ............................ ....................................................................... .
It attacks your computer from inside the system.
3 He's a good worker in many ways, but planning is his ................................................................................
He's so disorganised .
4 She opened ............................................................................................................... when she started investigating corruption
in the building industry.
Complete the crossword. 4
Across 26
1 the writing on the ............................................... 35
2 a ......................................................... victory
3 leave no stone .........................................................
Down
4 ......................................................... days
5 Don't ....................................................... on your laurels.
6 turn the other ...................................
20.4 Correct the mistakes in these idioms.
1 Julia's leaving shot as she walked out of the room was to say that she never wanted to see
any of us ever again.
2 The police left no stones unturned in trying to trace the missing child .
3 Piero fell into his sword and accepted full responsibility for the disaster.
4 She really has the Pandora touch - everything she does is hugely successful.
5 It was a task of epic size, but everyone tried their hardest to succeed .
6 We should continue to work hard and not sleep on our laurels.
7 If we are faced with a violent attack, we should just turn the other face and not react.
8 Doing nothing at this stage would be like singing while Rome burns.
Over to ~ -. .,_~ ~ ,-,:,;,~
Use the Internet to find out where the idioms in B come from . You can use a search
engine like Google or a specific site about idioms, e.g. www.phrases.org.uk
English Idioms in Use Advanced 45
21 Shakespeare
Many common idioms actually come from the works of Shakespeare (1564-1616), the famous
English poet and dramatist who wrote 38 plays, including Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. Here
are some idioms from Shakespeare's plays that are used in everyday English.
modern-day example I meaning I origin
Their relationship was ruined by jealousy Iago: 0, beware, my lord, of jealousy; ~
the green-eyed monster. is the green-eyed monster which do
mock / The meat it feeds on. (Othe llo
By criticising the company and suddenly, at the same time Macduff (on hearing that all his fam il}'
the team's performance, the new have been killed): What, all my prett}'
manager succeeded in upsetting chickens and their dam / At one fell
everyone at one fell swoop. swoop? (Macbeth)
My nephews came to stay at the eaten all the food there is in Mistress Qu ickly: He hath eaten me o
weekend and have eaten me out my house (informal) of house and home; he hath put all
of house and home. my substance into that fat belly of his.
(Henry IV Pt II)
It was a terrifying film - it made frightened me very much Ghost: I could a tale unfold [which ]
my hair stand on end. would ... make each particular hair
to stand on end, like quills upon the
Let me finish this email - I'll be in an instant fretful porpentine. (Hamlet)
with you in the twinkling of an
eye. Launcelot: I'll take my leave of the
Jew in the twinkling of an eye. (The
Merchant of Venice)
The police were sent on a wild- a search that has no hope of Mercutio: If thy wits run the wild-goose
goose chase, looking for the success (informal) chase, I have done. (Romeo and Juliet)
money that the criminals had
already spent.
The TV presenter laid it on with a praised somebody or Celia : Well said : that was laid on with a
trowel when he was introducing something excessively trowel. (As You Like It)
that film star. (informal)
The film is a classic love story people unlucky in love Prologue: A pair of star-crossed lovers
about star-crossed lovers. take their life. (Romeo and Juliet)
Nick and Maria have broken up There are always difficulties Lysander: The course of true love
again! The course of true love to face in romantic never did run smooth. (A Midsummer
never did run smooth. relationships. Night's Dream)
46 English Idioms in Use Advanced
Exercises
21.1 Replace the underlined part of each sentence with an idiom.
21.2
1 The film is about two people unlucky in love and their relationship.
21.3 2 Max and his friends managed to eat all the food I had in the house.
3 Harry's driving terrified me, but we arrived safely.
4 He set off on a hopeless guest to find the buried treasure he'd read about.
5 Masha prepared a delicious meal in what seemed like no time at all.
6 Jealousy is responsible for many crimes of passion.
7 The reviewer didn 't praise the play subtly- he went on and on about how wonderful it was.
Complete each idiom.
1 So, Helen's parents are trying to persuade her not to get married to Tom? Oh well, the course of ........
......................... ...................... love never did run ............................... .......... !
2 This thriller is terrifying. It'll make you r hair stand on .....
3 I need to go shopping. The kids have eaten us out of . .................. and home.
4 I' ll just let the cat out, then I' ll be with you in the twinkling of an .................................................
5 Let's try and write all our holiday postcards at one fell ......................................................... this morning.
Which idioms do these pictures make you think of?
13
24
21.4 Complete each sentence with an idiom from 21.3.
1 The bank robbers left the country after they had cleverly managed to send the pol ice off
on a ........ ...................................................................................................... .
2 The ghost story David told made ............................................................................................... .
3 Maya and Harry's relationship was destroyed by ................................................................................................................ .
4 Simply tell your daughter that you like her work. The re's no need to
Over to v11u
' Pound of flesh ' and 'send someone packing' are two ot her idioms from Shakespeare. Search for
these phrases on line and see if you can fin d th eir mean ing and origin. You could search using a
search engine such as Google, or visit t he website http://www.phrases.org.uk. See if you can find
any other Shakespearean idioms in common usage.
English Idioms in Use Advanced 47
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
English Idioms in Use Advanced
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